Shal had come to Phlan for one reason onlyto avenge the death of her mentorand so far, she had not even gotten to Denlor’s tower. Shal hadn’t planned on being sent on any mission for the town council. Tarl, too, was anxious. When Tarl checked on Anton that night, the big man voiced two words, but they were “no” and “die,” and his glazed eyes looked haunted, Tarl couldn’t help but think his friend was even nearer to death. Tarl’s only hope for quieting his feelings of guilt and helplessness was to take the time he needed to prepare mentally and spiritually for his return to the graveyard to regain the hammer. He had not counted on being required to “recover” Thorn Island, but he would make the best use he could out of the town council mission. Ren, on the other hand, was actually excited about the expedition to Thorn Island. For the first time in a year, he had a clear goal in mindan assigned goal, granted, but a goal nonetheless. And he would be among interesting company besides.
